National Hockey League recently presented the finalists for its annual awards in several categories including rookie of the year and coach of the year.
The 2019/20 NHL season rookie of the year award, officially known as Calder Memorial Trophy, will go to either Vancouver Canucks defenseman Quinn Hughes, Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar, or Chicago Blackhawks winger Dominik Kubalik.
Hughes is considered the favorite for the trophy, considering that he’s the only one with an All-Star appearance to his name. He played 68 games this season, contributing with eight goals and 45 assists for a total of 53 points.
Makar has 50 points (12 goals and 38 goals) in 57 games with Avalanche while Kubalik contributed with 30 goals and 16 assists for Blackhawks.
Columbus Blue Jackets’ John Tortorella, Philadelphia Flyers’ Alain Vigneault, and Boston Bruins’ Bruce Cassidy will go head to head for Jack Adams Award, given to the head coach who “contributed the most to his team’s success” in the given season.
Tortorella, who is two-time Jack Adams Trophy winner, led Blue Jackets to 33-22-15 record in 2019/20 season despite team’s injury issues and departures of key players.
Vigneault is chasing his second coach of the year award, having coached the Flyers to their best record (41-21-7) since the 2010/11 season. Cassidy, on the other hand, already won President’s Trophy with Bruins for league-leading .714 points percentage.
The league also shared the shortlists for Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy and Lady Byng Memorial Trophy.
